DARREN Ward is hoping the prospect of a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals could yet provide the spark to reinvigorate Wolves' season.

DARREN Ward is hoping the prospect of a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals could yet provide the spark to reinvigorate Wolves' season.

A run of two wins from 13 league games has seen Wolves fall four points adrift of the race for the play-offs, but at the same time they have made cup progress against Cambridge and Watford.

That set up Saturday's tricky fifth round tie at Championship rivals Cardiff but Ward, part of the Millwall team who reached the final in 2004, believes further inroads into the competition could also boost form in the league.

"The FA Cup is very different from the league and in a way there's less pressure," he said.

"We can go out there and enjoy it and try to build on Tuesday's result.

"Winning's a habit like losing, and we don't like losing so hopefully we can get a result at Cardiff.

"Hopefully the cup can provide a spark.

"If we could get a win there against a very decent side it would give us a good boost.

"Cardiff will probably be an intimidating atmosphere from the start.

"They'll be wanting to win and so will we, and we know it's going to be a tough game."

And with a few former injured players on the mend - Jody Craddock made his return in last night's reserve defeat at Leicester - Ward is confident Wolves have got the numbers to cope with any prolonged cup run.